Transform Your Photography: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change Focus Point on Nikon D7000

The Nikon D7000 is a powerful DSLR known for its versatility and image quality. But to truly harness its capabilities, you need to understand how to control the focus point. Knowing how to change focus point on Nikon D7000 allows you to precisely target your subject, ensuring sharp images even in challenging situations. This guide will walk you through the process, empowering you to take your photography to the next level.

Understanding Focus Points and Their Importance

The Nikon D7000 boasts a 39-point autofocus system, each point representing a potential area where the camera can focus. These points are arranged in a grid pattern across the viewfinder, and you can choose which point or group of points to use for focusing.
Why does it matter?

• Precise Subject Selection: By selecting the focus point closest to your subject, you ensure that the camera focuses on the intended area, resulting in a sharp image.
• Enhanced Composition: Changing the focus point allows you to achieve different compositions. For example, you can focus on a specific eye in a portrait or on a particular detail in a landscape.
• Increased Accuracy in Low Light: In low light, the camera may struggle to focus accurately. By selecting a single focus point, you can help the camera pinpoint the subject more easily.

Navigating the Focus Point Selection System

The Nikon D7000 uses a combination of buttons and the multi-selector to control the focus point selection. Here’s a breakdown of the key controls:

• Multi-Selector: This joystick-like control on the back of the camera allows you to move the active focus point around the viewfinder.
• AF-Area Mode Button: Located on the left side of the camera body, this button lets you switch between different focus point selection modes.
• AF-ON Button: This button, usually found on the back of the camera, activates autofocus without pressing the shutter button.

Focus Point Selection Modes: A Comprehensive Guide

The Nikon D7000 offers various focus point selection modes, each with its own advantages and applications. Understanding these modes is essential for choosing the right one for your shooting situation.

1. Single-Point AF (AF-S)

This mode is the most precise, allowing you to select a single focus point. It’s ideal for situations where you want absolute control over the point of focus, such as portraits, macro photography, or when you need to isolate a specific subject.

2. Dynamic-Area AF (AF-D)

This mode uses a group of focus points surrounding the selected point. It’s very useful for moving subjects, as the camera will track the subject within the selected area. This is a good choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography.

3. 3D-Tracking AF (AF-C)

This mode uses all 39 focus points to track a subject. It’s the most sophisticated mode, ideal for fast-moving subjects and unpredictable situations.

4. Auto-Area AF (AF-A)

This mode automatically switches between Single-Point AF and Dynamic-Area AF depending on the scene. It’s a good option for general photography when you don’t want to worry about selecting the right mode.

How to Change Focus Point on Nikon D7000: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand the different focus point selection modes, let’s look at how to change the focus point on your Nikon D7000:
1. Choose Your Focus Point Selection Mode: Press the **AF-Area Mode** button to cycle through the different modes (AF-S, AF-D, AF-C, AF-A). The selected mode will be displayed in the viewfinder.
2. Select Your Focus Point: Use the **multi-selector** to move the active focus point around the viewfinder. The active focus point will be highlighted.
3. Adjust Focus Point Size: Some modes, like Dynamic-Area AF, allow you to adjust the size of the focus area. You can do this by pressing the **AF-Area Mode** button and then using the multi-selector to change the size.

Tips for Effective Focus Point Selection

• Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to learn how to change focus points effectively is to practice. Experiment with different modes and focus points in various shooting situations.
• Consider the Subject: The choice of focus point selection mode depends heavily on your subject. For stationary subjects, Single-Point AF is ideal. For moving subjects, Dynamic-Area AF or 3D-Tracking AF are better options.
• Pay Attention to the Viewfinder: Keep an eye on the viewfinder to see which focus point is active and how the camera is focusing.
• Utilize the AF-ON Button: The AF-ON button allows you to activate autofocus separately from pressing the shutter button. This gives you more control over the focusing process and can be helpful for precise focusing.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Focus Techniques

The Nikon D7000 offers advanced focusing capabilities that can further enhance your photography.

• Focus Lock: You can lock the focus at a specific point by half-pressing the shutter button. This is useful when you want to focus on a subject and then recompose the shot.
• Focus Bracketing: This feature allows you to take a series of shots with different focus points, ensuring you capture a sharp image even if you miss the focus initially.
• Custom Focus Settings: The camera allows you to customize focus settings, such as the focus point display, the focus area size, and the AF-assist illuminator.

The Final Word: Embracing Precision in Your Photography

Mastering focus point selection on the Nikon D7000 is a key step in achieving professional-quality images. By understanding the different modes, practicing your technique, and exploring advanced features, you can elevate your photography to new heights. Remember, the key is to find the right combination of settings for each shooting situation, ensuring your subject is always in sharp focus.

Questions You May Have

1. How do I know if my camera is focusing correctly?
You can check if your camera is focusing correctly by looking at the viewfinder. The active focus point will blink or change color when the camera is focusing. You can also check the focus by zooming in on the image after you take the shot.
2. What if my camera doesn‘t focus on my subject?
If your camera doesn‘t focus on your subject, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you’re selecting the correct focus point selection mode. Second, check the lighting conditions. The camera may struggle to focus in low light. Finally, make sure your lens is clean and there are no obstructions in front of the lens.
3. Can I change the focus point while shooting video?
Yes, you can change the focus point while shooting video. However, the camera may not be able to track the subject as accurately as it does when shooting still images.
4. How do I use the AF-ON button?
Press and hold the AF-ON button to activate autofocus. Release the button to stop focusing. The AF-ON button can be used in conjunction with the shutter button to control the focusing process separately.
5. What is the difference between Single-Point AF and Dynamic-Area AF?
Single-Point AF focuses on a single point, while Dynamic-Area AF focuses on a group of points surrounding the selected point. Single-Point AF is ideal for stationary subjects, while Dynamic-Area AF is better for moving subjects.